Martica Howard
Colonie,New York
Summary
Dynamic Equal Opportunity Specialist with a proven track record at the NYS Department of Labor, adept at fostering diversity and inclusion. Skilled in compliance monitoring and client advocacy, I effectively collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workplace culture and resolve conflicts, ensuring equitable practices and a supportive environment for all employees.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Equal Opportunity Specialist 1-ODEIA
NYS Department of Labor
Albany, NY
09.2024 - Current
- Ensures compliance with equal opportunity laws and regulations, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Managing the reasonable accommodation program including reviewing requests, documentation, and ensuring consistent application of the law.
- Coordinated telephonic, virtual, and in-person interviews for reasonable accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with guidelines.
- Assisted in developing and revising policies, procedures, and guidelines to enhance diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity efforts.
- Supported supervisors in resolving employee concerns regarding discrimination or harassment claims, promoting a fair workplace.
- Advised management on best practices for fostering a diverse workforce.
- Formulates and executes strategies tailored to the requirements of the employer and their department.
- Collaborating with various stakeholders, including other state agencies, advocacy groups and the public on equal opportunity matters.
- Assessed organizational climate surveys to identify areas requiring improvement or additional attention when it comes to Equal Opportunity Employment matters.
Auditor Trainee 2
NYS Office of State Comptroller
Albany, NY
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Reviewed supporting evidence to confirm transactions were free from fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Evaluated agency processes to identify factors leading to the approval of inappropriate transactions during development and implementation of MLTC program initiatives and regulations.
- Utilized computer-assisted auditing tools and techniques across various platforms to meet audit objectives.
- Documented audit results for the auditee, including preliminary findings, letters, and comprehensive audit reports.
- Discuss findings with auditee representatives and participate in entrance and exit conferences.
- Interview agency representatives to obtain testimonial evidence, which may include determining how the agency deemed transactions to be appropriate and gaining an understanding of the agency’s internal controls.
- Gather financial data for analysis
Fair Hearing Specialist 1/Scheduler
NYS Office of Administrative Hearings, OTDA
Albany, NY
08.2010 - 04.2024
- Processed telephone requests from clients and representatives appealing adverse local agency decisions regarding public assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, and home energy assistance.
- Addressed telephone complaints from appellants and representatives concerning hearing issues, including adjournment requests, homebound hearings, expedited handling for emergencies, and aid to continue violations.
- Assessed issues based on Social Service Laws to identify hearable matters, provided recommendations to appellants, and supplied contact information for non-hearable cases, enhancing understanding of the appeals process.
- Screened applicants for relevant services, providing information and referrals to individuals and agencies.
Child Protective Specialist 1
NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Albany, NY
03.2009 - 08.2010
- Received and documented reports of suspected child abuse and maltreatment via Statewide Child Abuse and Maltreatment hotline, ensuring timely response to safeguarding concerns.
- Screened and assessed calls for relevance, preparing and forwarding critical cases to local social service districts for further investigation.
- Provided technical support to staff, addressing operational inquiries to facilitate effective local district functioning.
- Screened applicants for childcare, daycare, and related positions in compliance with Social Service Law.
Transitional Prisoner Planner
AIDS Council
Albany, NY
09.2007 - 03.2009
- Develop collaborative relationships with New York State correctional parole officers to create transitional plans for inmates prior to their release.
- Traveled to correctional facilities across New York State, collaborating with parole officers and inmates to strengthen transitional planning.
- Organize housing, transportation, and medical arrangements in anticipation of pre-release requirements.
- Developed realistic and achievable reintegration goals for individuals, fostering community connection and support.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions providing practical solutions to challenges, enhancing effective communication for successful reintegration.
Education
Writing For Busy Readers Workshop -
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass11-2025
New York State Department of Labor Equity & Inclusive Leadership Certification -
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York09-2025
M.S. - Administration Justice & Security, Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ11-2009
B.S. - Community & Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York08-2007
A.A. - Individual Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, NY05-1997
Skills
- Equal opportunity compliance
- Compliance monitoring
- Compliance investigation
- Discrimination investigations
- Diversity and inclusion
- Diversity awareness
- Cultural sensitivity
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Communication strategies
- Cross-cultural communication
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Equal Opportunity Specialist 1-ODEIA
NYS Department of Labor
09.2024 - Current
Auditor Trainee 2
NYS Office of State Comptroller
04.2024 - 09.2024
Fair Hearing Specialist 1/Scheduler
NYS Office of Administrative Hearings, OTDA
08.2010 - 04.2024
Child Protective Specialist 1
NYS Office of Children and Family Services
03.2009 - 08.2010
Transitional Prisoner Planner
AIDS Council
09.2007 - 03.2009
Writing For Busy Readers Workshop -
Harvard University
New York State Department of Labor Equity & Inclusive Leadership Certification -
Cornell University
M.S. - Administration Justice & Security, Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
B.S. - Community & Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
A.A. - Individual Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences
Hudson Valley Community College